Alcon receives US FDA approval for new AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +2.5 Multifocal Toric IOL with ACTIVEFOCUS(TM) design for uncompromised distance vision and presbyopia correction - Seite 2

"The ACTIVEFOCUS^(TM) toric IOL is the marriage of the design features of my two go-to IOLs for patients wanting outstanding distance vision and less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery," said Bret L. Fisher, M.D., Medical Director, Eye Center of North Florida. "By combining the unique optical properties of the ACTIVEFOCUS^(TM) design with the unparalleled rotational stability of the AcrySof^® IQ toric platform, I can now offer a range of vision to more patients."

Nearly four million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the US, and more than 50 percent of those patients have treatable levels of astigmatism that could be addressed with AcrySof^® IQ toric IOLs[2], including the new ACTIVEFOCUS^(TM) toric IOL. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is misshapen, causing blurry vision and distorted images at all distances. Presbyopia occurs in most people over the age of 40 and results in needing vision correction such as reading glasses.

Alcon plans to commercialize the ACTIVEFOCUS^(TM) toric IOL in the US beginning in mid-2017.

About Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes hard and cloudy allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see. The vast majority of cataracts happen as a result of normal aging but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes, and eye trauma can accelerate the development of cataracts[6]. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness[7]. Twenty million people in the US age 40 and older have cataracts[8]. Cataracts are treated by removing the eye's cloudy natural lens and surgically replacing it with an intraocular lens or IOL. More than 98% of cataract surgeries are considered successful and patients typically can return to their normal routines within 24 hours[9].

About Astigmatism and Presbyopia
Astigmatism is a variation in the shape or curvature of the cornea and, if left untreated, can cause blurred vision at all distances. Presbyopia is an eye condition that occurs as part of natural aging. It involves the gradual loss of the eye's ability to actively focus on close objects, such as smart phones, computers, books and menus. The first signs of presbyopia are eyestrain, difficulty seeing in dim light and problems focusing on small objects and/or fine print. Once a person is in their 40s, it is likely they will experience presbyopia and will require vision correction such as reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses.